If you want to understand the discipline of Biblical Theology and how it can help you expound biblical books and themes, look at T. D. Alexander and B. S. Rosner (ed.), New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2000). The consulting editors for this publication were D. A. Carson and G. Goldsworthy.
Brian Rosner concludes his introductory essay to the volume by defining Biblical Theology as,
‘theological interpretation of Scripture in and for the church. It proceeds with historical and literary sensitivity and seeks to analyse and synthesize the Bible’s teaching about God and his relations to the world on its own terms, maintaining sight of the Bible’s overarching narrative and Christocentric focus.’
There are other introductory essays in this volume on the History of Biblical Theology, Challenges to Biblical Theology, The Canon of Scripture, Biblical History, Exegesis and Hermeneutics, Unity and Diversity of Scripture, New Testament Use of the Old Testament, Relationship of the Old Testament and New Testament, Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology, and Preaching and Biblical Theology.
The next section of the Dictionary contains essays on ‘Biblical Corpora and Books’, examining large sections of the Bible such as Genesis to Kings with respect to themes, structure and purpose. Then follow articles on individual biblical books. I wrote the one on Acts, showing how Luke’s second volume contributes to the unfolding message of the Bible.
The third part of this Dictionary contains articles on biblical themes, explored in terms of their development within the canon of Scripture. I contributed the articles on Holiness, Melchizedek, and Worship.
David G. Peterson 